Colombia midfielder Edwin Cardona could face punishment after allegedly making a racist gesture during his country's 2-1 loss to South Korea on Saturday morning.

The incident occurred in the 63rd minute when tempers flared between the two teams following a clash involving James Rodriguez and Kim Jin-su, with Cardona appearing to mock a group of Korean players by pulling the skin back to narrow his eyes as officials attempted to calm the situation.

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman refused to comment on what happened, insisting he did not witness the incident.

"I didn't see that gesture and I cannot comment on that," Pekerman told reporters after the match.

"It was a physical game. Things happen during a game like this. I can't comment further on an incident that I didn't see with my own eyes."

Korea midfielder Ki Sung-yueng, who plays for Premier League club Swansea City, branded any type of racist behaviour as "absolutely unacceptable".

"I thought the Colombians played a physical, rough game today, but it can happen in football," Ki said.

"But racist behaviour is absolutely unacceptable. Colombia have world-class players, and I was extremely disappointed to see such action."

Cardona has since apologised for his actions, in a video posted on the Colombia national team's Twitter account.